The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-09-08

infancy have had an inborn dread of
the whole race; even the homely and
succulent COW of commerce is not ex-
empt from my dislike; while the mis-
named monarch of meadows" the un-
mitigated bull, fills me with feeling
that hardly falls short of absolute terror
I did not answer; l could not.
"Please do not come, if you would
rather go with the party to the ruins" "
Norah continued. 81 will ask Captain
Tompkins.
1t was enough. Hardly considering
the consequences, I exclaimed, II will
come with pleasure"
We started.
"What magnificent creatures!' she
cried, when she reached the field. "Oh,
and what number"
There certainly was, and more than ]
cared for. Behind, before, on either
hand they stood, grazing, or lay down
chewing the cud,
ooh, do come closer! l must get
that lovely groupw exclaimed Norah.
1t was group of four ferocious-look-
ing beasts, one standing, the rest lying
in various attitudes around. One, a
great black animal eyed us steadily, and
slightly altered his position the better
to see us. Norah sat down; reluct-
antly did the same.
"Would you sharpen my pencil9" she
asked.
She was looking at me curiously. ]
fancy she halt-suspected my nervousness;
SO, putting the best face of matters, Igot
out my knife and held out my hand for
the pencil, AM, as she held it toward
me, forgot all but her own sweet self
and seized the little hand tenderly. She
sratched it hastily away, and think
now she thought, as doubtless my atti-
tude suggested, that l was about to pare
her nails.
II think, Mr.. Maurice" she said
gently, 81 could manage better if you
would not mind going the other side Of
the bullocks and attracting the notice Of
that black one in the other direction.
They are looking the same way and it
looks so stiff. If you held out some
grass to him or switched your stick
about, it might keep his attention
| fixed"
I rose slowly, and cautiously found my
way to the other side.
1t was quite needless to do anything
to attract that monsters attention; his
eye was ON me. AS moved, so did he
and, as sat down, he turned his head
right around, the better to watch me.
l was turning hot and cold by turns.
THAT will do nicely, thanks. Keep
him in that position for few minutes, y
called Norah.
Then came silence, broken only by
the beating of my heart. The suspense
grew unbearable, and the perspiratior
began to pour down my face. l drew
out my handkerchief to wipe my heated
brow, when, with an angry grunt, thu
animal began to rise. l saw my fata
error; the handkerchief was red
Rapidly the brute gained his feet and
with head bent low advanced toware
me. 1t was too much. All, all was for
gotten but the fate that seemed befor,
me- Isprang up--I blush to own it.
turned around and ran!
Thud, thud came those hoofs bchint
me. Nearer came that snorting breatl
till almost thought felt it hot upor
my neck. Faster and faster l flew
nearer and nearer came that frantic
beast!
Just then thought caught fain
voice on the air-"Pray drop your hand
hSlCuici! ult, loI louuu III my tCl
ror have been waving it from side t,
side as ran. Almost Immediately tn,
tramping of hoofs ceased; but withou
pausing to look behind 1 made straigh
for fence just in front of me, which
having vaulted, found myself safe a
last
Then the whole absurdity of my posi-
ton burst upon me. The ridiculou
figure must have cut before Norah, tn
contempt she must feel for my coward
ice! Oh, what would not have give
to be able to wipe the last half hour on
of my life!
After great deal of consideration a
to my future conduct, / determined t
face the party at lunch, when coul'
judge if my late exploit was known
When / joined them, they were all seate
on the grass. / noticed decided paus
in the conversation as l approached
Tompkins was busily helping Norah t
some strawberries. His head was turne
, away from me, but when he saw me IL
! went that detested glass, and the usu,
inspection began. When his eye game
, the level of my pocket, where the hand
. kerchief so lately had shown itself, h
t looked suddenly full in my face and
calling to the carver, said: "Brett, Nj
, Maurice will take some beef
, A roar of laughter followed this sail
/ and felt that all was known. / fe